When people think about cold weather or winter-related home issues, they usually relate to heating or power outages, but one issue that is often overlooked is rodent issues. According to the National Pest Management Association, 45% of rodent issues occur between periods of fall and winter. Here is a list of signs that can help you determine if your home has a rodent infestation.
Mice Droppings: Finding mice droppings around your home is a very common sign that you have mice in your home. Mice droppings can be found in areas where food is stored such as cabinets and pantries. These droppings can also be found under sinks, near cardboard boxes and along baseboards. Mice are capable of dropping close to 50 droppings a day. Proper cleaning of Mice pellets is key to keeping your family safe.
Gnawing on Materials: Rodents are known for being able to chew through any type of material. Mice are known to chew on electrical wiring which can cause fire issues in your home. Keep an eye out for gnaw marks around your home or of any damage being made to your belongings.
Nests: Mice like to make a nest out of materials like cotton, paper products, fabrics and insulation from walls. If you spot scattered materials in areas of your home with little to no light, this is a sign that your home may have a nest of mice. We recommend that you hire professionals to deal with your rodent issue.
Tracks: Mice often leave dark grease marks or dirt marks along walls or floorboards. This is a way for them to keep track of their food source. Keep an eye out for these marks around your home.
Strange Noises: During the night, strange sounds around the house can be caused by a family of mice moving around the house. Mice are fond of dark and secluded areas of the house and when the lights are out, they are able to move around freely. If you are hiring a professional exterminator, make sure to check the attic. The attic is often overlooked and is perfect for mice.
Breeding: Female mice are able to breed at an incredibly rapid rate. These mice are able to breed every three weeks and giving birth to a half dozen mice at a time. That is an equivalent to 35 mice a year. If you do find one mouse, chances are that there are more in the waiting.